EP26 | 40°C的歐洲如何改變人們的生活？| Europe Is Baking! How People Are Surviving the 2026 Heatwave
2026年夏天，歐洲再次遭遇嚴重熱浪，西班牙、法國、義大利、葡萄牙和希臘等地氣溫突破40°C。更令人驚訝的是，許多歐洲家庭、咖啡店、超市甚至理髮店都沒有冷氣！這一集，Miss Y分享自己住在法國時「熱到無處可逃」的親身經驗，帶你了解今年歐洲熱浪的成因、各國如何因應、居民與觀光客如何調整生活。
Europe is experiencing another intense heatwave in 2026, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several countries. In this episode, Miss Y shares her personal experience living in France without air conditioning, explains why Europe is getting hotter, how people and cities are adapting, and offers practical travel ideas for visiting Europe this summer.
Learn English with Miss Y: https://pse.is/95qltt [https://pse.is/95qltt]
Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmilgpemw00i201yvfrduavyf/comments [https://open.firstory.me/user/cmilgpemw00i201yvfrduavyf/comments]
Transcript:
Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way.
Let me ask you a question. Could you imagine living through summer without air conditioning (空調系統) ? Now, if you're listening in Taiwan, or maybe somewhere else in Asia, your first reaction is probably, "No way!" Air conditioning is almost part of our daily life. We use it at home, in restaurants, shopping malls, convenience stores, coffee shops, and even when we take the MRT or a bus. If the weather is hot, we simply go inside and cool down. But things are very different in many parts of Europe. I learned this myself last summer when I was living in France in 2025. Honestly, before I moved there, I thought, "Europe gets hot too, but people say it's not humid. It should be okay." Well...I was wrong. One afternoon, my apartment became so hot that I couldn't concentrate on anything. The windows were open, but there wasn't much wind. The walls felt warm, the floor felt warm, and even sitting still made me sweat. I thought, "No problem. I'll just walk to a coffee shop and enjoy the air conditioning." That's exactly what we would do in Taiwan. But after walking for several minutes, I realized something surprising. The coffee shop didn't have air conditioning. Then I went to a small grocery store. No air conditioning. A bakery. No air conditioning. Even my hair salon didn't have air conditioning. At that moment, I suddenly understood something that many Europeans have known for years. When your home is hot, there may be almost nowhere nearby where you can escape the heat. It sounds unbelievable if you've grown up in Asia. You feel tired. You feel sticky. You want to cool down. But every place feels almost the same temperature. I remember thinking, "So...where do people go?" The answer was...many people simply stayed home, opened every window at night, closed the curtains during the day, drank lots of water, and hoped the weather would become cooler. It felt a little hopeless. Of course, not every building in Europe is like this. Some hotels, office buildings, hospitals, and modern shopping centers have air conditioning. But in many homes, cafés, restaurants, and neighborhood stores, especially in countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands, air conditioning is still much less common than it is in Taiwan. For many years, people simply didn't need it very often. Europe's climate was usually much milder (mild, 溫和). But recently, that has started to change. And this summer, in 2026, Europe is once again facing another dangerous heatwave (熱浪). You've probably seen photos online. Tourists carrying umbrellas under a bright blue sky. People cooling themselves with handheld fans. Streets that look almost empty in the middle of the afternoon because it's simply too hot to walk outside. So what exactly is happening? Let's find out. The summer of 2026 has brought one of the first major heatwaves of the season to southern and western Europe. Countries like Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece have all experienced extremely high temperatures, while the heat has gradually spread farther north. In several places, temperatures have climbed above 40 degrees Celsius. If you're from Taiwan, forty degrees may not sound impossible. Taiwan sometimes reaches that temperature too. But there's one important difference. Many European homes were never designed for this kind of weather. Most apartments don't have air conditioning. Many older buildings were built to keep people warm during cold winters, not cool during long periods of extreme heat. That means the temperature inside a home can stay high for many hours, even after the sun goes down. According to Reuters, weather agencies across Europe issued heat warnings as temperatures climbed close to or above historical averages for late June. Hospitals prepared for more patients suffering from dehydration (脫水) and heat exhaustion (熱衰竭), while emergency services asked people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Meteorologists (氣象學家) say one of the biggest reasons is something called a "heat dome." Don't worry. It sounds complicated, but the idea is actually quite simple. Imagine putting a giant lid (蓋子 罩子) over part of Europe. That lid traps hot air underneath it. Normally, weather systems move around and bring cooler air from the Atlantic Ocean. But during a heat dome, the atmosphere becomes almost stuck. The hot air cannot escape easily, so temperatures continue to rise day after day. Another weather pattern, sometimes called an omega block because it looks like the Greek letter Omega on weather maps, also helped keep the hot air in place. This meant sunshine almost every day, very little rain, and extremely high temperatures across many countries. Scientists also explained that while heatwaves have always happened naturally, climate change is making them more frequent, more intense and longer lasting. In other words, heatwaves themselves are not new. But what is changing is how often they happen and how hot they become. Researchers say that today's temperatures are happening in a warmer world than they did decades ago. Because the Earth's average temperature has increased, every heatwave now begins from a higher starting point. Think about climbing a mountain. If you begin your hike halfway up the mountain instead of at the bottom, you'll reach the top much faster. Climate change works in a similar way. The atmosphere is already warmer than before, so when a heatwave arrives, temperatures can climb to much higher levels. That is one reason scientists are paying much closer attention to these events. Another interesting thing is that the heat doesn't affect every country in the same way. Spain and Portugal are already used to hot summers, but even there, temperatures this year reached levels that caused health warnings. France activated emergency plans in several regions. Italy warned people to avoid outdoor activities during the afternoon. In Greece, firefighters stayed on high alert because extremely hot and dry weather increases the risk of wildfires. Even countries farther north, where people are less used to extreme heat, began preparing for unusually high temperatures. One thing that really surprised me while reading all these reports was that Europeans don't only worry about feeling uncomfortable. They worry because heat can actually become dangerous. Doctors say older adults, babies, pregnant women and people with heart or lung diseases are especially vulnerable (脆弱). Even healthy people can suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke (中暑) if they spend too much time outside without enough water. That's why governments across Europe kept reminding people to drink water, avoid direct sunlight during the afternoon, and check on elderly family members and neighbors. For many Europeans, these heatwaves are no longer unusual news. Instead, they are becoming something people expect almost every summer. And that's a very big change from twenty or thirty years ago. So what happens when a whole continent becomes this hot? Well, life doesn't stop. People still have to go to work. Children still have summer vacation. Tourists still want to visit famous places. But everyone has to change the way they live. One thing I noticed while reading reports from the news was that many Europeans no longer treat a heatwave as something unusual. Instead, they treat it almost like preparing for a snowstorm. They know they need a different daily routine. Instead of going outside in the afternoon, many people now wake up much earlier. Construction workers may begin working at six or seven in the morning, before the strongest sunshine arrives. People go jogging before breakfast instead of after work. Some even walk their dogs before sunrise because the sidewalks become too hot later in the day. By lunchtime, many streets become much quieter. If you've ever visited Europe, you probably remember seeing people sitting outside cafés in the afternoon, drinking coffee or chatting with friends. During a heatwave, that picture changes completely. Instead of sitting outside, people hide indoors. Many restaurants and cafés pull down their sunshades, and customers look for the coolest table they can find. But remember what I told you earlier. Many cafés don't actually have air conditioning. So people simply look for shade and drink plenty of cold water. Some cities have also created something called cooling centers, or climate shelters. These are public buildings where anyone can go if they need a cooler place to rest. For example, libraries, museums, community centers and public buildings may open their doors during extreme heat. Some cities even publish maps showing people where these cooling centers are located. That's especially important for older adults who may live alone in apartments without air conditioning. In fact, protecting elderly people has become one of the biggest concerns. Heat doesn't affect everyone equally. Young, healthy adults might feel uncomfortable, but older people are much more likely to become seriously ill. That's why some local governments ask volunteers to call elderly residents every day during a heatwave. The phone call is very simple. "Hello, are you okay?" "Have you been drinking enough water?" "Do you need any help?" I think that's actually a wonderful idea. Sometimes a two-minute phone call can save someone's life. Hospitals also become much busier. Doctors treat more patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Emergency rooms in several countries prepared for an increase in heat-related illnesses as temperatures continued to rise. Another group that has to adapt is outdoor workers. Imagine repairing roads under a temperature of forty degrees. Or delivering packages all afternoon. Or working on a construction site with almost no shade (陰涼處). Some companies have started changing work schedules. Instead of working through the hottest hours, employees may start before sunrise, take longer breaks in the afternoon, or finish work earlier in the day. Some employers also provide extra drinking water, shaded rest areas and more frequent breaks. Of course, not everyone can work from home. But for office workers, some companies encourage remote work during the hottest days. That reduces travel and helps people stay somewhere cooler. Now let's talk about something many of us love. Travel. Summer is usually the busiest tourist season in Europe. Millions of people fly there every year to visit places like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Lisbon. But this year, many tourists arrived and immediately realized one thing. "This is much hotter than I expected." Some reporters interviewed visitors from different countries who described carrying portable (可攜帶的) electric fans everywhere they went. Some tourists wore white or light-colored clothing to reflect the sunlight. Others carried umbrellas, not because it was raining, but because they wanted portable shade. It almost looked as if everyone had developed their own little survival kit. A bottle of water. A hat. Sunglasses. A handheld fan. And maybe a small towel to wipe away the sweat. Tourists also started changing their schedules. Instead of visiting famous attractions at two o'clock in the afternoon, many people woke up early. They might arrive at the Eiffel Tower just after breakfast. Or visit the Colosseum before the strongest sunshine. Then, during the afternoon, they would relax inside a museum, enjoy a long lunch, or return to their hotel for a few hours. When the sun became lower in the evening, they would go back outside. Actually, that's not a bad way to travel. You avoid the hottest weather, and you often avoid the biggest crowds too. One thing I found interesting was that despite all these challenges, most tourists didn't cancel their vacations. Instead, they adapted (適應). They slowed down. They rested more. They drank more water. They accepted that maybe they couldn't see ten attractions in one day. And honestly, maybe that's a healthier way to travel anyway. Sometimes we rush so much during a vacation that we forget to enjoy the place we're visiting. The 2026 heatwave reminded many travelers that it's okay to sit under a tree for half an hour, enjoy a cold drink, and simply watch the world go by. Of course, governments are also thinking about the future. Because if these heatwaves continue happening every summer, Europe cannot simply hope for cooler weather. Cities are planting more trees because trees provide natural shade and help lower temperatures. Some streets are being redesigned with more green spaces. New buildings are being built with better insulation (隔熱) to keep homes cooler. Architects are also exploring ways to reduce heat without depending entirely on air conditioning, because air conditioners use a lot of electricity. Electricity is very expensive in Europe, much more expensive than in Asia. So Europe faces a difficult challenge. People need to stay cool today. But they also need to prepare for even hotter summers in the future. And that balance won't be easy. As I read all these reports, I kept thinking back to my own experience in France last summer. At the time, I thought, "Why doesn't everyone just install air conditioning?" Now I realize the answer is much more complicated. Installing air conditioning in millions of older buildings is expensive. Some apartment buildings have strict rules about changing their appearance. Electricity systems would also need to handle much greater demand during the summer. So instead of depending on one solution, Europe is trying many different solutions at the same time. Some are changing city design. Some are changing work schedules. Some are changing daily habits. And perhaps most importantly, people are beginning to accept that extreme heat is no longer a rare event. It is becoming part of everyday life. # So, after hearing all this, you might be wondering one thing. "What if I'm planning to visit Europe this summer?" Should you cancel your trip? Personally, I don't think so. The answer is not, "Don't go." The answer is, "Go, but be prepared." The good news is that, according to Reuters and several European weather agencies, the most intense heat across parts of western Europe is expected to ease toward the end of June as cooler Atlantic air gradually moves in. That doesn't mean summer is over. July and August can still be very hot, especially in southern Europe. But the extreme temperatures that made international headlines this week are not expected to last forever. So if your trip is coming up soon, don't panic. Just plan a little differently. The first piece of advice is probably the simplest. Slow down. I know many of us travel with a very full schedule. Maybe you've saved money for years to visit Europe. Maybe you only have seven or ten days. So you want to visit five countries, fifteen museums, twenty famous attractions, and take hundreds of photos. I understand that feeling. I've been there too. But during a heatwave, trying to do everything can actually make your vacation less enjoyable. Instead, give yourself permission to slow down. Visit one or two attractions in the morning. Take a long lunch. Spend the hottest hours inside a museum or back at your hotel. Then go out again after dinner. In many European cities, the evenings are beautiful. The streets become lively again. Families come outside. People sit in parks. Restaurants fill with conversation. Sometimes the city feels even more magical after the sun begins to set. Another important tip is something many people forget. Drink water before you feel thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be getting dehydrated (缺水 脫水). Carry a reusable water bottle whenever you go sightseeing. Luckily, many European cities have public drinking fountains where you can refill your bottle for free. That can save both money and plastic. Next, think carefully about your clothing. Dark colors absorb more heat. Heavy fabrics make you sweat more. Loose, light-colored clothes are usually much more comfortable. A hat is also a great idea. And honestly, after reading so many news reports, I think portable electric fans deserve an award. It seemed like tourists everywhere were carrying one. Small, rechargeable fans have become one of the most popular travel accessories during European summers. Another thing to remember is that Europe may not cool you down the way Taiwan does. In Taiwan, if you feel hot, you can simply walk into almost any convenience store or coffee shop. The air conditioning is usually waiting for you. In many parts of Europe, that may not happen. Some cafés have fans. Some rely only on open windows. Some hotels may have air conditioning, but many smaller hotels or older buildings may not. So before you book your accommodation (住宿), check carefully. If having air conditioning is important to you, read the hotel description and reviews. Don't simply assume it will be there. Now, if you plan to visit famous attractions, here's another suggestion. Go early. Very early. I know waking up at six o'clock during a vacation doesn't sound very exciting. But trust me. Walking through a quiet European street early in the morning is actually a wonderful experience. The air is cooler. The light is beautiful. There are fewer crowds. And you'll probably enjoy the experience much more than standing under the afternoon sun with thousands of other tourists. One more thing I'd like to mention is this. Please don't underestimate the weather just because Europe has traditionally had a cooler climate. Many visitors still think, "Europe isn't tropical. I'll be fine." But temperatures above forty degrees Celsius can be dangerous anywhere in the world. Listen to local advice. If authorities tell people to avoid outdoor activities during the afternoon, they're not trying to ruin your vacation. They're trying to keep everyone safe. Sometimes the smartest travel decision is simply to sit inside with a cold drink for two hours. Your body will thank you later. You know, as I was preparing this episode, I kept thinking about how quickly our world is changing. When I was younger, Europe was famous for many things. Beautiful castles. Historic cities. Amazing museums. Fresh bread. Outdoor cafés. Comfortable summer weather. Today, people are also talking about heatwaves. That doesn't mean Europe isn't worth visiting anymore. Not at all. It's still one of my favorite places in the world. But it does mean travelers need to prepare differently than they did twenty years ago. And honestly, local people are learning the same lesson. Many Europeans are changing their daily habits. Cities are planting more trees. Governments are opening cooling centers. Scientists continue studying how climate change affects extreme weather. Everyone is trying to adapt. In some ways, this reminds us that humans are actually very good at adapting. When life changes, we change too. Maybe we wake up earlier. Maybe we build different houses. Maybe we redesign our cities. Maybe we simply remember to carry a bottle of water and a small fan. Sometimes adaptation starts with very small changes. Before we finish today's episode, I'd like to leave you with a few questions. If you were planning a vacation during a heatwave, would you still go, or would you choose another destination? And if you've ever experienced an extreme heatwave yourself, tell me your story. How did you stay cool? Did anything surprise you? You can leave a comment or send me a message. I always enjoy hearing from listeners around the world.
Thank you so much for listening today. I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another fun 15 to 20 minutes of simple, clear English and a brand-new topic to explore. Stay curious, and keep learning about the world in simple English.
Powered by Firstory Hosting [https://firstory.me/zh]
Comments
0Be the first to comment
Sign up now and become a member of the Learn the World in Simple English with Miss Y 簡單英文 大千世界 community!